Switch tongue



Aug. 28, 1923. 1,466,461

V. ANGERER SWITCH TONGUE Filed Feb. 27 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 V/c/orFqyerer Patented Aug. 28, 1923.

VICTOR'ANGERER, OF RIDLEY PARK,

ITED s Ts PATENT I 1,465,461 m ce. j

WHARTON, JR., & OOIVIPANY, INCORPORATED, GF'EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA, A COR-PORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

SWITCH TONGUE.

Application filed February 27, 1923. Serial No. 621,552.

respect to the switch body is necessarily interrupted bothlongitudinally and laterally thus developing potential weakn'esses inconsequence of which they, are susceptible of tilting and are liable tobreakage and distortion under modern trafiic conditions.

Objects of this invention are to provide a switch tongue possessed ofgreat strength and which under all conditions of service will be firmlyseated and will have a flush bearing its entire length and throughoutits width in the complemental tongue receiving pocket or bed of theswitch body and hence will be immune to tilting, breakage or distortion;to provide a switch whereof the bottom constitutes a continuous orintact longitudinal bearing area for co operation with a correspondingbearing area in the switch body; to provide a switch tongue whereof thebottom also constitutes a continuous or intact lateral bearing area forco-operation with a like bearing area in the switch body; to provide aswitch tongue whereof the bottom has an endwise directed slant or taperwhereby there is established a relatively shallow point and a relativelydeep heel or pivotal portion; to provide a switch tongue whereof thebottom has a continuous longitudinal taper and a continuous lateraltaper; to provide a switch tongue of the character stated which, whethersolid or otherwise, is of such section as to insure inherent strengththrough a substantially uniform distribution of metal; to provideappropriate drainage facilities; to provide for co-operation of tongueactuating or locking mechanism without disturbing or interrupting thecontinuity of the bearing surfaces hereinbefore recited; and to providea switch v body constructed, arranged and adapted to receive andco-operate with a switch tongue of the nature indicated.

lVith such and other objects in view, the nature, characteristicfeatures and scope of the invention will more readily be understood fromthe following description taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawlngs, forming apart hereof, wherein? F igure 1 1s a plan vlew of aswitch structure embodying my improvements. 1

PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR T0 ,WILLIAM Fig. 2 is aside elevational view ofthe.

tongue.

Figs. 3, 4, and 5 represent sections taken,

respectivel Fig. 2. I I

Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectionalview of a switch body and tongue,showing the con-- tinuous or intact longitudinal taper bearing; commonto said elements. f:

Fig. 7 is'a transverse section exemplifying drainagefacilities. V

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a modification wherein the tongue and itscomplemental bed or pocket are served with compound taper bearingsurfaces, that is to say with a continuous or intact longitudinal taperand with a continuous or intact transversely rangonlines 3'23, 44, and555 of ing or lateral taper ;"the section being "taken atthepivotal endof the tongue. tongue Fig. 9 is another sectional view of the lateraltaper, the section being taken near the point o f-the tongue.

F '10. is a sectional view of beam section. I

According to my invention, I provide a switch structure of inherentlygreat strength and possessed of other advantages, as pre viouslyremarked, by constructing the tongue and its complemental bed or pocket.so that a tongue of I thebottom of the tongue and the floor of.

the bed will have a continuous or uninterrupted longitudinal bearingestablished on 7 an inclined plane, that is to say tapered endwise or inother words inclined from the horizontal.

The utility ofand the advantages attend ant on such construction will atonce manifest themselves to those skilled in the art. For example, atongue formed with a' clownward slant has the desirable attribute ofunusual depth at the heel or pivotal portion and proportional increasedvdepth of body diminishing gradually and ultimately terminating in v arelatively thin- :or shallow. point. Such'a tongue is infinitelystronger than the ordinary tongue, which, as is well known is of shallowand uniform depth. The, taper construction insures substantial lodgmentor firm seating ofthetongue because it admits of intact or flush bearingsurfaces and providesainple depth of body to permit the passagetherethrough of instrumentalities for holding and tightening the tongueand form actuating. it, and hence there is nonecessity for the usualdepending lugs or other appendages such as interrupt the bearing of theordinary tongue; the taper construction operates by gravity to maintainbearing in a single uninterrupted plane greatly simplifies planing andhence works a'desirable economy in tlie liiiisliing of the tongue. '7

All of the advantages stated, and others,

-are=achieved with a tongue the bottom plane or surface of which isformed with a con tinueus or intact taper which may and preferabl doesinclude the point and heel; and whether the tongue be constructed of box1 section or of I beam section or of any other appropriate section.

Referring to the drawings, the numeral 5 represents the switchbody' and6 represents thetongue. The-bottom'surface7 of the latter has an endwisedirected taper, that is considerable depth.

to say it is inclined longitudinally from the horizontal; themaximum'depth of the inclined-body being at the heel or pivotal portion8, which accordingly is of unusual and The tongue seating bed 9 of theswitch body is correspondingly :l'ormed and by reason of the inclinedplane and the continuous or intactlongitudinal bearing a-rea thusestablished between the -tongue and its bed, the tongue is always irmlyseated'andhence is not free to tilt.

lVhile the switch body and the tongue may be as usuah'except as regardsthat part of the invention which demands the continuous'or symmetricaltaper in the bottom plane of the tongue, it is a merit of the in ventionthat the switch body externally of the tongue bed-may have dependingcross ribs 10, the. presence of which insures adequate strength with acomparatively light construction of switch body.

In one formof the invention, the tapered or wedge shape tongue foramaterial por tion of its length is of substantially box section, asindicated at 11, with intact top and bottom walls joined by verticalribs .12 forming the side walls and also forming between them windows 13of progressively dimin'ishing size as they approach the shallow point."The heel or. pivotal portion is also by preference of hollow form, asindicated at 14. I

In another form ofthe invention Fig. 10, the tongue is of I beam sectionwith a centhat each provides for substantiallyuniform distribution ofmetal; and this provision, in.

the case of a casting, is conducive to uni lormity of heat treatment,thus making for further strength. The slot-work or windows have theadded utility of by-passing fluid mud, water, and other extraneousmatter and thereby tend to ease the operation of the switch. The chamberor-receptacle es tabl-ished by the box section is useful to trap andstore dirt and other ubstances which.

otherwise might militate against proper functioning of the tongue. Thetaper or wedge form common to both designs is important for the furtherreason that it oilers a simple solution or the problem of securing thetongue with relation to the switch body without resorting to the usualdepending lugs. For example, I may employ an element 19' passing throughone of the slots or openings in the tongue and engaging the switch body.Manifestly, the hold-down and tightening device 19 is merelyillustrative of any means for accomplishing the end sought.

The gradient established by the described type of switch provides fornatural drain age towards the pivotal portion thereof and suitabledrainage boxes 20, Fig. 7, are: provided'for the reception of matterpassing through the passages 21in the side walls of the switch body.

Another merit of the invention is the lat eral taper .hereinbeforealluded to and which, without disturbing the normal tread surface,enables the point of the tongue to rise sufiiciently to constitute araised guard. The lateral taper is indicated at22, and it will beunderstood that the bottom of the tongue and the floor of the tonguereceiving pocket are inclined, from side to side throughout theirlength. The increased efficiency oi" the tongue by reason of its intactor continuous lateral taper whereby the point of the tongue vis adaptedto be elevated the required distance to. enable it to act as a raisedguard for the wheel when set for the curved track is rendered possibleby the establishment in the same plane of the intact or continuouslongitudinal taper and by the considerabledepth of the heel resultingtherefrom. It is.v apparent that the point may ride the transverseincline without in any way disturbing the normal tread tongue which isthus enabled to fit flush thereagainst and exclude objects whichotherwise might wedge themselves between said walls and the tongue. 7

Finally, attention is directed to the fact that the described type ofswitch readily lends itself to the direct application of any form ofswitch operating mechanism and wholly obviates the necessity ofprojecting lugs and the like which are essential to shallow tongues. Asan example of such direct application, the connection may be effectedthrough the medium of the opening 24 ex tending transversely of thetongue and opposite a complemental slot or opening in the tongue body.

Having described the nature and objects of the invention, I claim 1. Aswitch tongue having a shallowpoint and a deep heel .or pivotal portionand having a continuous or intact bottom bearing area which is inclusiveof the heel.

2. A switch tongue having its bottom formed with an endwisedirectedinclination to provide a deep vertical pivot.

3. A switch tongue having a downward slant continued through a verticalheel.

a. A switch tongue having a shallow point and a deep heel or pivotalportion joined on a common slant.

5. A switch tongue having at one end a shallow point and at the otherend a relatively deep heel of substantially cylindrical form, the heeland point having a common bottom bearing. 1

6. A switch tongue having a'shallow point and a deep heel or verticalpivotal portion joined by an uninterrupted bottom bearing, common to thepoint and heel.

7. A switch tongue terminating at one end in a shallow point and at theother end in a relatively deep heel mainly of'cylindrical contour, saidheel and point having a common bottom bearing free from surface breaks.

8. A switch tongue of wedge form in side elevation, the maximum depthbeing at the heel.

9 A switch tongue terminating at one end in a shallow point and at theother end in a relatively deep heel the vertical walls of which aresubstantially cylindrical, said heel and point having a common bottombearing formed by a continuous longitudinal taper.

10. A switch tongue having a shallow point and a deep vertical pivot andhaving its bottom formed with a continuous or uninterrupted longitudinaltaper and free from projections to thereby establish a common bearingfor the point and pivot.

11. A switch tongue terminating at-"one 7 end in a shallow point and atthe other end in a relatively deep heel the vertical" walls of which aresubstantiallycylindricaksaid heel and point having a common bottombearing formed by a taper in which both participate and which isfinished in a single plane. i 1 i i 1 V 12. Aswitch tongue terminatingat "one end in a shallow point and at the other end 'in a relativelydeep heel the vertical walls of which are substantially cylindrical,said heel and point having a common bottom bearing formed by acompoundtaper fin ished in a single plane andfree from surface breaks.

13. A switch tongue having its bottom in clined from end to end and fromside to side. 1

1 1. switch. tongue having its bottom formed with a continuouslongitudinal taper ranging the length of the tongue, and. also formedwith a continuous lateral taper.

15'. A switch tongue having its bottom inclined from end to end and fromside to; side, said tongue'consisting of a structure whereof the metalis substantially uniforinlyv distributed.

16. A switch body having the floor of its V tongue receivingpocketinclined in one plane in the direction of its length.

17. A switch-body having the floor of its tongue receiving pocketinclined in the di rection :of its length, the maximum depth establishedby thefinclin'ebein'g at'and in the region of the heel receiving end ofthe pocket.

18. A switch body having the entire floor of its tongue receiving pocketformed on an inclined plane and presenting a smooth or intact bearingsurface for the tongue.

19. A switch' body having the floorgof its tongue receiving pocketformedwith a continuous longitudinally ranging incline finished in a singleplane. V

20. A switch body whereof the tongue re ceiving pocket has its fullfloor portion slanted in one plane to accommodate a tongue having arelatively deep vertical pivot and a shallow point formed with acorresponding common slant.

21. A switchbody having the floor'of its tongue receiving pocketinclined longitudinally and also laterally; y

22. Aswitch body having the floor of its tongue, receiving pocket formedwith a continuous longitudinal inclination and with a continuous'lateralinclination. i

23. A switch body having a tongue receiving pocket of considerable depthat the heel end and of gradually diminishing depth in the direction ofthe point. J

24. A switch: body having a tongue "receiving pocket of considerabledepth at the heel end and of gradually diminishing depthin the directionof the point, the floor of the pocket presenting'a continuous or intactseat for the tongue, v

r A switch body having aftongue recciving pocket the floor of which isfinished in a single plane inclined from point to. heel.;

26. A switch body having a tongue resection, the flooro'f the poclzet'having a tlush surface to seat a tongue the entire un der portion ofwhich is finished in a single plane. I

27. A. switch body having a tongue receiving pocket the floor of whichis finished in a single plane inclined from point to heel, wherebydrainage is towards the'hecl end of the pocket, and means for drainingthe heel end.

-. "28. A switch bocy having a tongue receivin'gpocket of wedge form invertical tion and formed by an uninterrupted inclination of the floorfrom end to end of thepocket to provide for a deep pivotal Lil) point.-

29. A switch body having a tongue re-t' 31. A switch structure of thetype re cited, comprisingthe combination of a;

switch body having a sloping tongue receiving pocket and a tongue havingits under portion correspondingly sloped. whereby said elements are'heldby gravity to close contact at the heel end. 7

A switch structure of the type recited. comprising the combination of aswitch body having a downwardly slanting tongue receiving pocket, andatougue otwedge *form in vertical-section'and having its .un-

der portion finished' in a single plane to havea flush bearing in saidpocket.

3". A switch structure of thetype recited,

comprising the combination of a switch body having a tongue. receivingpocket the floor got which ha-sa continuous -longitudinal inclinationand a'continuous lateral'iir clination, and a tongue: having its-underportion shaped-to fitithe floor.

34. Aswitch structure of the type recited, comprising the'c'ombinationof a switch body having a downwardly slanting tongue receiving pocket,and a tongue having a cooperating fit in said pocket and whereofthe-point; is adapted to be elevated the receiving pocket of "form in"vertical connection of a tongue having a shallow quired distance toenable it totuncti'on:

ing in thefpocket and inclined from, side to side and co-operating witha correspondingly formed surface ot the pocketwhereby the point isadapted to be elevated the required distance to enable it to act asa"raised guard.

36. A'switch structure havinga gradient. established ona singleplanewherebydrainage is towardsthe heel end thereof, and

draina e relief devices co-oneratin v,there 37. A switch structure,includingza pivotal tongue having .a' slanted bottom. providing anintact or continuous bearing area-- from end to end'thereot,and meansranging transversely of the tongue-for the direct ap+ )lication of *itchcontrollin mechanisinv 38. A 'swi.tclitongue of gradually increas ingdepth in the direction of the pivotal portion, said tongue being'ot'such'section as to provide for substantially uniform dis tributionoifmetal. j

A switch tongue having the usual tread and having its bottom inclined0n: symmetrical lines from end to end to thereby provide a shallow pointand atleep heel for drlainingit, and a tongue havinga continuous seat'or bear the common bearing surface'whereot' is finislied in a singleplane.

40. A switch tongue having the usual tread surface andhaving its bottominclinedtwo wavs.

41.. A switch tongue having a deep heel: the bottom of which is tapered,the taper starting in the region ofthe point and terminating at theextreme edge of the heel.

42. A switch tongue having a sloping bottom to provide a shallow pointand a deep heel or pivotal portion, said bottom being free fromprojections whereby it presents a single'plane for finishing purposes.

4:23. A switch tongue having a sloping bottom to provide a shallow'point and a .deep

heel or pivotal portion seated on a common plane, said pivotal portionbeing .hollow.

44L. A switch tongue having a shallow point and a deep heel or pivotalportion joined on-a plane inclined from the horizontal.

A switch tongue having a shallow point and adeep heel or pivotal portionjoined on a plane inclined in two directions.

46.1; switch tongue having a shallow point and a deep heel or pivotalportion: joined on a plane continuously inclined in I two directions. 7

47. A switch tongue having a shallow pointand a relativelydeep heel orpivotal portion joinedcon a plane that is continuiao ously inclined intwo directions, one of the inclinations constituting means for use inelevating the point of the tongue.

.48. A switch tongue having a substantially level tread and having asloping bottom to provide a structure of graduated depth, said structurehaving cored areas.

49. A switch structure comprising the combination of a switch bodyhaving a downwardly slanting tongue receivlng' pocket, a tongue havingits under portion formed to have a flush seat in said pocket, and meansfor securing the tongue with re lation to the body.

50. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch bodyhaving a rearwardly sloping tongue bed, its under portioncorrespondingly formed to lit the bed, and means ranging transversely ofthe tongue and relatively.

51. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch bodyhaving a rearwardly sloping tongue bed, a tongue formed to lit the bed,and means in advance of the pivotal portion of the tongue forsecuring itwith relation to the body.

52. A switch structure, comprising the combination of a switch bodyhaving a downwardly sloping tongue bed, the maximum depth being at theheel end thereof, a tongue having a mated slope, and means adjacent theheel end for securing the tongue in operative relation with the body.

A switch structure of the type recited, comprising the combination of aswitch body having a downwardly slopin tongue bed, a tongue adapted tosaid be and having a transverse opening adjacent its pivotal portion,and means extending through said opening and engaging the switch bodyfor securing the tongue.

54;. A switch structure of the type recited, comprising the combinationof a switch body having a downwardly slanting tongue receiving pocketequipped with drainage provisions, and a tongue adapted to said pocketand having by-passing pro- VlSlOIlS.

a tongue having body for securing them 551A switch structure of the typerecited, comprislng the combination of a swltch body having a tonguereceiving pocket, and a tongue seated I chned plane, sa d pocketllLVlIlg undercut; surfaces to insure close contact of the tongue.

56. Aswitch structure of the type recited,

comprising the combination of a switch body having a tongue receivingpocket of graduated depth and whereof the floor is continuously inclinedfrom side .to side, and a tongue whereof the under portionv is correformed :whereby the lateral in of to elevate the point depth formed witha ing established on a plying switch actuating mechanism withoutdisturbing said bearing. a

59. A switch tongue having a. shallow point and a vertical pivot, theunder portion of the tongue being finished in plane inclined from thehorizontal vide common seating means for'the point and pivot, thetongue'having a transverse opening for the direct application of aswitch control. r

60. A switch a single plane inclined from the horizontal to accommodatea tongue having a shallow point and a relatively deep vertical pivot.

In testimony ture.

whereof I affix my signa- VICTOR ANGERER.

of the wheel- 7 body having a tongue receiving pocket the floor of whichis braced and finished in in said pocket/on an in- 75, point and avertical pivot of considerable common bottom bear-V slant, and means forapa single: to pro-

